February 26, 2025, 94, Goldsboro —
Mildred Johnson Whitley, aged 94, transitioned peacefully on February 26, 2025. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the joy and warmth Mildred brought into every life she touched.
Born on April 1, 1930 in Edgecombe County, NC, Mildred was a person of boundless kindness, compassion, humor, generosity and unconditional love. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether it was through her infectious laughter, heartfelt advice, or the simple act of listening when someone needed it most.
Some of our fondest memories include Mildred’s legendary cooking and catering. Sunday dinners at her home were more than just meals—they were gatherings filled with laughter, shared stories, and an endless supply of love. She always cooked enough to feed the entire community. We will always cherish the way she could turn the most ordinary moments into something special, whether it was an impromptu road trip, a shopping spree in the mall, or a spontaneous song in the kitchen.
Mildred was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas Whitley and daughter Mildred Merita Whitley. In addition, she was preceded by all her siblings; Irene, Elizabeth, Odell, Lucille, Beulah Mae, Frank, James, William and Quincy.
She is survived by her only granddaughter: Jaimica McKinney Wilkins (husband, D’Wayne) and two great grandsons, Malachi and Jaimison Wilkins, all of Wendell, NC. Her special nieces and nephews: Mary Darden (husband, Ralph), Arthur Rawlings (wife, Margaret) of Princeton, NC, Larry Beamon of Goldsboro, NC, Tessa Atkinson (husband Avon) Of Grantham, NC and Lillie Irene Brown, and a host of family, friends and community abroad and domestic who will forever carry her legacy forward and cherish her memory in their hearts. Though Mildred may no longer be with us in person, her loving spirit will live on in the kindness we share, the love we give, and the memories we hold dear.
A celebration of life will be held on March 4, 2025 at Casey Funeral Home with a viewing 11am – 12pm and a Graveside service immediately following at noon in Princeton Cemetery.
Rest in peace to our Matriarch! You will be missed beyond words but never forgotten. May your legacy live on through us all.
With all our love,
The Family
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Whitley Family.
Acknowledgment
With hearts full of gratitude, we extend our deepest appreciation for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time of loss. Your kind words, thoughtful gestures, and comforting presence have been a source of strength as we honor the life and legacy of our beloved Mildred Johnson Whitley.
She was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and endless generosity—a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to all who knew her. She carried her community as if each soul were birthed from her own womb, giving selflessly and never asking for anything in return. Her love was unconditional, her spirit unbreakable, and her heart forever devoted to God.
Though she has departed from this earth, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the values she instilled, and the love she so freely gave. We are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine through all of us.
May God bless each of you for your kindness and support. Your love has helped carry us through this difficult time, just as she carried so many throughout her life.
With love and appreciation,
The Family of “my Granny” Mildred Johnson Whitley
